Description for San Clemente Canyon
San Clemente Canyon/Marian Bear Park runs parallel to Hwy 52 in the heart of San Diego. It has a little bit of everything, twisty hard packed single track, double track, creek crossings, loose rock, sand. I like to stay on the south side of San Clemente Canyon, it has the best single track. A few parts are very cool, tree covered single track, they are just real short. These trails offer a good quick workout, nothing very technical. Be sure to explore the side trails that go up into Clairmont.
You can combine this with Rose Canyon and even up into Clairmont and then into Tecolote Canyon. I don't know about access east of 805 so I am not even going to address it. To get to Rose Canyon follow the small trail on the east side of the cement half-pipe, careful. Once you are on the north side of 52 take the steep trail that heads north on the west side of the hill. This will take you into Rose Canyon. You can access the San Clemente Canyon trail system from about 10 different places the main parking areas being Genesee Ave and 52, Regents and 52, and the west end of the canyon at the end of Santa Fe St.
Directions to San Clemente Canyon Trailhead
For Regents or Genesee trailheads take 5 or 805 to Highway 52. Exit Regents or Genesee and the parking areas are just south of 52.
For the west end of San Clemente Canyon take 5 south to exit Balboa Ave/Garnet Ave, merge onto Mission Bay Dr, turn left at Damon Ave (In-N-Out), turn left at Santa Fe St. Drive to the cul-de-sac at the end of Santa Fe St.
If heading north on 5 Take exit Grand Ave/Garnet Ave, merge onto Mission Bay Dr, slight right at Damon Ave (In-N-Out), turn left at Santa Fe St. Drive to the cul-de-sac at the end of Santa Fe St
Comments/Reviews for San Clemente Canyon
1. San Clemente Canyon
by GeoRob, Sunday, January 31, 2010 8:45 PM
| Overall Review: | 3 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 2 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 1 of 5 |
Very easy ride with some good sections of wooded single track. A few moderate climbs but overall a very easy and relaxing ride. One major downside, especially after all these rains, is all the stream crossings. Be prepared to get wet and clean your bike thoroughly after this ride.
Images of San Clemente Canyon
San Clemente Canyon Trail Maps